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10+ years of experience
- Produced illustrated parts manuals
- Introduced Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop tools for manual creation, dramatically
- Added professional graphics to the group’s operator manuals, using line art and photography to improve customer usability
- Supervised sections building press drive gearboxes and ink fountains
- Worked on the Build Table, responsible for precision assembly of all major
- Substantially increased production on multiple lines while maintaining high quality
0-5 years of experience
- Worked on the U.S. Army Two Level Maintenance Program updating technical manuals using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Responsible for the development, design, and layout of a variety of technical illustrations.
- Utilized the best techniques to ensure all quality standards established in MIL-STD40051-2 Change 3 and MIL-HDBK 1222C Change 3 were met.
- Performed daily quality checks of colleagues work to verify all standards and procedures were adhered to.
- Trained and mentored new employees in company procedures and Adobe Illustrator.
0-5 years of experience
- Create colored wiring diagrams that accurately reflect components, connectors, wire colors, pinouts, and call-out information
- Designs and create visual representations for the products and services offered
- Work in conjunction with design teams and technical writers to create a variety of technical graphics
- Effectively communicate messages through workflow and design standards
- Follow regulatory standards
- Render illustrations for use in technical publications, service manuals, owners manuals. and technical bulletins
- Perform studio photography for products and illustration
Technical Illustrator Duties and Responsibilities
While technical illustrators’ day-to-day duties are determined by their employer, there are many core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of job listings, these may include:
Prepare and Manage Designs Technical illustrators design and create charts, typography, illustrations, and artwork, such as posters, brochures, presentations, logos, etc. They work with clients and/or teams to understand project needs and prepare graphics concepts, rough sketches, proofs for logos, and other documents involving graphic design to meet requirements. Technical illustrators provide layouts for video graphics and digital animation. These are produced both through traditional drawing methods as well as computer design programs, such as Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, etc.
Project Management Technical illustrators manage project requirements, including tasks such as production scheduling, job tracking, preparing cost estimates, establishing deadlines, and ensuring productions standards are followed.
Client Management Technical illustrators manage client relationships, meeting with clients or internal managers to discuss contract details and project requirements. Depending on the industry they work in, they may be required to visit manufacturing sites to view first-hand how items are produced. Once illustrations are created, technical illustrators consult with the client to seek approvals, make alterations to the illustrations as needed, and gain final approval for designs.
Ensure Brand Consistency Working in conjunction with a larger design team, technical illustrators protect the brand guidelines and integrity of a client or organization, ensuring visual assets created across different types of media are consistent with brand guidelines.
Technical Illustrator Skills and Qualifications
Successful technical illustrators are energetic, natural problem solvers, who enjoy working in a matrix work environment. The ideal candidate for this role is comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple projects. Employers prefer candidates who possess the following abilities:
- Adaptability – technical illustrators typically work as a member of several teams in a matrix environment
- Detail-oriented – for project management and implementation, design, etc. and to multitask in a deadline- and goal-driven environment
- Communication skills – to effectively demonstrate to non-technical audiences how the designs they create translate into working products or procedures
- Design principles – to create designs, layouts, brochures, logos, etc.
Technical Illustrator Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in illustration or a related field is typically required. Other fields of study can include fine arts or business, which is popular for those interested in freelance technical illustrator careers. It is also recommended that aspiring technical illustrators create a website or another form of online portfolio, as this allows prospective employers to easily access and evaluate their work. Employers typically offer on-the-job-training, especially for specific brand guidelines, processes, and policies.
Technical Illustrator Salary and Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups technical illustrators with graphic designers. The median annual wage for this occupation is $48,700 per year. According to BLS, employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2016-2026, which is slower than average for most occupations ().
Helpful Resources
There are many helpful resources available for those interested in careers as technical illustrators. Please review the links below for valuable information and the latest industry news:
Technical Illustration: Techniques and Applications – This book provides introductory information to those looking to start careers in technical illustration. Topics covered include illustration concepts, theory, and applications.
Illustration that Works: Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success – This book provides an “everything you need to know” guide to those looking to enter the illustration field. It includes assignments and numerous examples of artwork.
TechnicalIllustrators.org – This website provides a community and blog for technical illustrators. The content is provided by technical illustrators with the purpose of promoting, educating, and celebrating this field. It is also useful for sharing tips and tricks of the trade.
AIGA – The American Institute of Graphic Arts is the oldest and largest industry group for design professionals. The group offers tools and resources, networking events, and professional development opportunities for those in the field.
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Technical Illustrator
Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II -
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
